Eye trouble linked to sun exposure, low levels of antioxidants

October 14, 2008 2:20:11 PM PDT

Too much sun and not enough of the right fruits and vegetables may spell eye trouble for older adults. Low levels of antioxidants combined with sun exposure could make older adults more vulnerable to age related macular degeneration.

According to research in the archives of ophthalmology, there was no such link seen in people with high antioxidant levels.

This is the first study to suggest sunlight may raise AMD risk. Past research, however, indicates antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc and lutin are important in protecting the eye from the toxic effects of light.